For 61 years now, the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has been helping players in the construction and wood-based industries assess how strong their materials are and how fit these are for different uses.

Thru its Physics and Mechanics Testing Laboratory, DOST-FPRDI assesses the physical and strength qualities of concrete hollow blocks, cylinders, and panels; composite boards; pallets; lumber; and non-wood forest products like bamboo, rattan, and vines. Last year, the lab served 248 clients, and earned Php 337,000 in income.

According to the FTLs’ Quality Manager Ms. Adela S. Torres, “Having their products tested by an ISO-certified lab ensures our clients that they get consistently valid results, and gives them the credibility they need to access new markets overseas, maintain their presence in old markets, and meet the demands of certain government agencies.

“For instance, our physical properties tests on lumber can tell clients how much moisture is in their wood and whether or not the wood is expected to shrink or expand. We can also tell the material’s specific end-use by finding out how dense it is. Usually, the denser wood has better quality and more high-end uses.”

“Our strength properties tests, on the other hand, can tell if the material can be used for structural purposes. They tell how much load it can carry and whether or not it can resist being deformed or crushed by such loads, ” adds Bondad.

The lab is also tapped by various schools from all over the country to help with the research needs of their Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Forestry students. Among its academic clients are the University of the Philippines Los Baños, University of Santo Tomas, Technological University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Laguna State Polytechnic University.” (Rizalina K. Araral & Maybell Mariella A. Amador, 20 June 2018)#